DIABETES type 2 symptoms include feeling very tired, passing more urine than normal, and even unexplained weight loss. But you could also be at risk of high blood sugar if you have this sign on your teeth. Should you speak to a doctor about diabetes?

Diabetes is a common condition that affects around five million people in the UK, and 90 per cent of cases are caused by type 2 diabetes. The condition could be caused by the body not producing enough of the hormone insulin, or the body not reacting to insulin. Without enough of the hormone, the body struggles to convert sugar in the blood into useable energy. You could be at risk of diabetes symptoms if you develop loose teeth, it’s been claimed.

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Patients suffering from loose teeth could be displaying key symptoms of diabetes

Steve Preddy

Loose teeth could be a sign of uncontrolled high blood sugar, according to Bupa Dental Care’s Clinical Director, Steve Preddy.

A wiggly tooth is usually a red flag for dentists, and it may require immediate attention.

If you find one of your teeth is easy to move about, you should consider speaking to a doctor about your diabetes risk, he said.

“Patients suffering from gum disease, bleeding gums and loose teeth could be displaying key symptoms of diabetes,” said Preddy.

“Of course, these issues can develop without being linked to diabetes at all but, as dentists, it is important for us to raise this with our patients and recommend they consult their GP for further testing.

“However, current NHS stats suggest one in 10 people haven’t been to a dentist for more than five years, so our ability to spot potential symptoms and look after the wider health of our patients is reduced.

“It’s important to go for regular check-ups as you never know what your dentist could spot.

“Excessive consumption of sweet, sugary, and acidic food and drink has a detrimental impact on a person's teeth – as well as their wider body. So when we see a patient suffering from some or all of these conditions, alarm bells start to ring.”

You could also find signs of diabetes in your mouth by looking out for red or swollen gums.

Swollen gums could be a sign of gum disease, or periodontitis, which has been linked to diabetes.